40 Easy Weeknight Dinners
Amy
Busy evenings call for meals that are as quick as they are delicious, and these 40 Easy Weeknight Dinners deliver just that. With a total time of only 20 minutes, you’ll savor dishes bursting with vibrant flavors, from zesty citrus notes to rich, savory undertones.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- ½ to 1 cup pasta water
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 large bunch lacinato kale, stemmed and chopped
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup chopped parsley
- Parmesan or Vegan Parmesan, for serving
Prepare the pasta according to the package directions, in a pot of salted boiling water, until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the garlic is lightly browned around the edges.
Add the kale, salt, and several grinds of pepper and cook, tossing with tongs, until the kale is wilted, up to 1 minute.
Add the spaghetti and toss to combine. Add ½ cup pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and toss. If the pasta is seeming too dry, add the remaining ½ cup pasta water to create a light sauce.
Season to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve with Parmesan or vegan Parmesan.
Keyword easy dishes, family dinners, fast cooking, quick meals, simple recipes